Results and reports from the Tour of Qatar, where Mark Cavendish sealed overall victory.

Last Updated: 08/02/13 4:50pm

Tour of Qatar: The riders can expect heat, flat roads and high winds

Now a firmly established stopping point on the early-season schedule, the tiny Arabian state's pan-flat roads will once again provide a haven for sprinters, while also presenting a stern enough challenge to attract a host of Classics contenders.

Indeed, the racing can be among the most competitive of the opening part of the campaign, with straight and open roads driving the pace up and crosswinds putting everyone on alert against splits in the peloton.

With Tour de France organisers ASO taking care of logistics, the Tour of Qatar's stature continues to grow and has duly attracted another top-class field.

Four-time winner Tom Boonen has been forced to pull out following shoulder surgery, but Omega Pharma - Quick-Step team-mate and former world champion Mark Cavendish will be on the start line and keen to get stage wins under his belt.

Team Sky, meanwhile, will hope Edvald Boasson Hagen can stamp his authority on proceedings as they look to build on the two victories Cavendish gave them in 2012.

The race takes place over six stages, from February 3-8, with all but a team time trial on day two set to end in bunch sprints.